Page 18 - Waterfall City Issue 8 August 2025

Waterfall City News

SUMMITTING EVEREST

8,849 metres of purpose

S outh African mountaineer, But climbing Everest is nothing

philanthropist, Brand SA
compared to what women dealing
ambassador and prospective
with GBV face every day. And not just
Waterfall City resident Angela
unthinkable number. Gender-based
Yeung recently achieved the pinnacle South Africans but worldwide, it’s an
of mountaineering, summitting violence is a very serious issue, and
Mount Everest from its formidable Everest is a seriously challenging
North Side on 24 May 2025. Yet, this climb, and I could think of no better
historic feat was never solely about reason to climb it.”
conquering a mountain. It was the
powerful culmination of a profound Angela’s mission extended far
mission: to empower survivors beyond the peak. After her successful
of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) descent, she and her Sherpa team
through her non-profit organisation, journeyed deep into the Himalayas,
the Impilo Collection Foundation. delivering over 100 kilogrammes of
donated clothing, shoes, stationery,
Angela’s symbolic target is to collect and books to the Rolwaling Sangag
8,849 bras – one for every metre Choling Monastery School and the
of Everest’s towering height – a Mountain Children Home. These
tangible effort to restore dignity and remote educational centres, where
show unwavering solidarity with Angela Yeung, as she summited Everest North Side on tradition meets hardship, face
24 May 2025.
GBV survivors across South Africa. immense challenges, often lacking
“Climbing Everest is a monumental modern academic tools. “This part
challenge, but it pales in comparison to demanding at least 8,000 metres of of the mission is so rewarding,” Angela
the daily battles faced by GBV survivors,” climbing experience, where there is reflected. “Climbing Everest is a symbol
Angela passionately stated. “Each bra we no rescue operation in place – a stark of resilience, but giving back – especially
collect is a message: You are seen, valued, reality where “if anything happens, you to children in these regions – is the
and deserving of dignity.” are alone.” Her 50-day climb was an real summit.” Her foundation aims to
immense mental and physical challenge. bridge this gap, fostering a future where
In South Africa, GBV remains a national “Imagine not showering or being able children are equipped for both economic
crisis of harrowing proportions, with a to wash your hair for almost a month,” success and the values of compassion
woman tragically murdered every four she smiled, reflecting on the gruelling and integrity.
hours. Angela’s audacious campaign has conditions. She speaks of passing the
ignited crucial awareness and mobilised bodies of fallen climbers, a grim reminder This expedition reflects the Impilo
communities nationwide. Her ascent was of the mountain’s unforgiving nature. “It Collection Foundation’s broader,
not merely an act of physical endurance takes immense strength to continue... ambitious mission: to uplift one million
but a living tribute to resilience and the You must keep going, it’s not a walk. lives by 2035 through its three core
pursuit of justice. Carrying the logos of It’s survival.” Supported by her Sherpa pillars:
global brands like Cathay Pacific, GoPro, team, there were still moments of doubt, • Empower Her: Focused on supporting
La Prairie, Zara Wellness, and, proudly, but the sheer will to survive, to avoid women affected by GBV.
the South African flag, Angela dedicated dehydration or frostbite, propelled her • Empower Him: Aims to help men,
her climb to every South African fighting forward. Angela is now only the second particularly addressing issues like
their own personal mountain. “This South African, after Cathy O’Dowd 26 suicide.
is not just my climb; it’s every single years ago, to summit Everest from the • Empower Them: Dedicated to
South African’s climb. Together, we can North side. advocating for education for all.
transform Everest into a beacon of hope.”
For Angela, the choice of Everest was Angela candidly explains her motivation:
Angela’s decision to tackle Everest’s clear: “Everest is the ultimate goal for any “I spoke at the Constitution Hill Human
North Side was deliberate. It is a route climber... you are on top of the world. Rights Precinct three years ago about

16 Waterfall City Issue 8 2025